Climate Change

Climate change affects Lake Amistad in many ways, including by making boating on the lake less safe.

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Fishing tournaments have been a cherished tradition at Amistad National Recreation Area for over 50 years, drawing enthusiasts from near and far. The summer pastime of spending a day on Lake Amistad is not only a recreational joy but also vital for the local economy.

However, the summers of 2022 and 2024 brought unprecedented challenges. Record high temperatures and an ongoing drought led to the lowest water levels ever recorded at Lake Amistad since the Reservoir was filled. These low water levels exposed hazardous rocks and made many boat ramps unusable. Some fishing tournaments were moved elsewhere, dealing a blow to the local community¹. Climate change played a significant role in these disruptions.

 

Current Climate Impacts

Rising Temperatures: Average temperatures at Amistad have risen approximately 2.2°F since the 1970s². While this might seem modest, it represents a significant shift in climate rather than short-term weather patterns.

Intense Weather Events: Texas has experienced a dramatic increase in extreme weather events attributed to climate change. From 1980 to 1990, Texas experienced 1.4 disasters per year that cost over one billion dollars in damages. However, from 2014 to 2023, this number soared to nine per year, representing a sixfold increase in devastating events like wildfires, floods, and droughts³.

Declining Lake Levels: Lake Amistad has repeatedly hit record-low water levels recently, notably in 2022 and 2024⁴, due to factors exacerbated by climate change:

• Increased evaporation from extreme heat.
• Intensified droughts leading to greater water demand for residential and agricultural use.
• Reduced precipitation resulting in less water entering the reservoir.

Damage to Cultural Resources: The dropping water levels expose ancient sites previously submerged since the reservoir's creation. This exposure puts these valuable cultural places, features, and artifacts at risk of erosion and inadvertent human damage during recreational activities⁵. This damage could destroy what they have to teach us about the past.

Impact on Recreation: Climate change has altered recreational opportunities at Lake Amistad, making fewer boat ramps available, making picnic areas farther from the water, and exposing boating hazards. Some fishing tournaments have been relocated elsewhere, dealing a blow to the local community. Additionally, extreme heat events make outdoor activities less comfortable and potentially dangerous if not prepared. Climate change played a significant role in these disruptions.

 

Climate change affects temperatures, weather, and lake levels. That makes safe and fun opportunities for recreation, like kayaking, harder to come by.

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Causes of Climate Change

The primary driver of climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, largely from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Learn more about the causes of climate change.

 

Scientists at Amistad work hard to keep the ecosystem as healthy as possible.

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Future Projections

Scientists predict that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures at Amistad could rise by as much as 8.6°F by 2100 compared to pre-2000 levels. However, concerted efforts to curb emissions could limit this increase to around 4.7°F or less, mitigating some of the more severe impacts⁶.

Park Response

Amistad National Recreation Area is actively responding to climate change by:

• Extending boat ramps where feasible and improving low-water infrastructure.

• The park monitors the lake’s water level and water quality.

• Tracking temperature and lake conditions to ensure visitor safety.

• Documenting and protecting cultural resources.

• The park works to keep native species healthy and invasive species out.

• Collaborating with the National Park Service's Green Parks Plan to reduce carbon footprints across operations.

 

Talking to people around you about climate change is a great way to take action. Your voice matters!

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Individual Actions

Everyone has a role in addressing climate change:

• Raise awareness among peers and communities.

• Reduce your carbon footprint through energy conservation and sustainable practices.

• Advocate for climate action with policymakers.

• Support local initiatives and organizations promoting sustainability.

• Be water wise. Conserve water and keep it clean. 

• Volunteer at parks and engage in conservation efforts.

Climate change poses significant challenges to Lake Amistad and its surrounding communities, but proactive measures and collective action can mitigate its worst effects. By safeguarding this natural and cultural treasure, we can ensure future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from Lake Amistad.

 

References

1. Dobbins, James. “It's Not Easy Being a Fishing Guide When Your Lake Dries Up.” The New York Times, July 20, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/20/us/lake-amistad-falcon-water-levels.html  

2. Climate Change Response Program. "Amistad National Recreation Area climate futures summary." National Park Service, 2024.  https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2303088  

3. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). “U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, Texas State Summary”. 2024. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/TX 

4. Amistad National Recreation Area, 2024. “Current Conditions”. https://www.nps.gov/amis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.  

5. Johnson, J. G., and Todd, B. K. “Case Study 1: Reservoir Water Level Change Impacts on Cultural Resources, Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas.” 2015. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/upload/Coastal-Adaptation-Case-Studies-Chapter1-508.pdf   

6. Applied Climate Science Lab, University of California Merced. "Climate Toolbox - Climate Mapper." n.d. https://climatetoolbox.org/tool/Climate-Mapper.   

 

Learn More

• 

  Climate Change in National Parks

  Learn about climate science and climate change response in the NPS

• 

  Sustainability in the NPS

  Learn about sustainability efforts and the Green Parks Plan

• 

  Amistad Climate Futures Summary

  Explore climate change projections for Lake Amistad